The WWE is just two weeks away from one of the biggest shows of the year, Elimination Chamber on Feb. 17, and Monday’s edition of Raw was action packed to prepare for the event.

While huge stars like The Rock and Dolph Ziggler were missing from the broadcast, the build to Elimination Chamber and the groundwork being set for WrestleMania 29 are proving that the WWE creative team can craft good storylines.

Three-hour editions of Raw will always be hard to watch all the way through—three hours is too long for almost anything—but the WWE has found a solid rhythm and keeps the action rolling throughout the whole program.

Monday’s edition of Raw was very well executed, and the excitement around Elimination Chamber is through the roof.

Brad Maddox called out The Shield and was attacked; John Cena, Ryback and Sheamus joined the fight and laid out a challenge.

Elimination Chamber Build

The Elimination Chamber event itself is just a stopgap for the WWE until WrestleMania, but the intrigue over the actual Elimination Chamber match, CM Punk versus The Rock for the WWE title, Big Show versus Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship and a deep midcard makes this card worth the purchase price.

Question on Everyone’s Mind: Are You Alright With No Rock on Monday, though?

The Rock likely didn’t sign up to be there every single week on Raw, but the fact that the WWE Champion was absent from television this week was a serious drawback. As great as Punk is and as much confidence as the company must have in him to let him carry the entire main event, The Rock should be there each and every week that he is champion.

Twitter Reaction

TV personality Michelle Beadle was excited to see the Hall of Pain, Mark Henry, back in the WWE ring heading toward Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 29:

The Rock may not have been there Monday, but the news that Brock Lesnar had signed to a deal with Vickie Guerrero and the spot where Lesnar hit the ring and F-5’d The Miz after the former reality star verbally attacked Paul Heyman made this a memorable night nonetheless.

Question on Everyone’s Mind: How Could You Not Like Lesnar?

The former WWE and UFC champion is one of the most intimidating forces in the world, and his presence on TV is a huge bonus for the company. Even if you don’t care about the oodles of money he makes the WWE or the masses of viewers the bona fide star draws in, Lesnar’s character is awe-inspiring.

Anytime the beast hits the ring, the fans are in for a treat.

Twitter Reaction

ECW’s legendary announcer Joey Styles knows extreme, and he could tell by Lesnar’s attack on The Miz that the former reality star was in serious pain:

Nationally syndicated radio show, Ring Rust Radio, talked about how The Miz stood his ground to a bona fide UFC fighter and a man that just broke Vince McMahon’s hip last week:

RingRustRadio @RingRustRadio

I like how The Miz tried to stand his ground against Brock Lesnar on @WWE #Raw and got dumped on his head. Score one for the heels!